Galle gem and jewellery theft suspect arrested

A person who broke into a famous gem and jewellery shop inside the Galle Fort and stole gems and jewellery worth over Rs. 340 million was arrested, Galle police said.

Three persons who were in possession of the same stolen items were also arrested.

Investigations revealed that on July 3 night , the suspect had entered through the roof of the store, after cutting the wire netting on the ceiling, removed the ceiling and stole the gems and gold jewellery from the safe. Police said that the shop sold gems and gold jewellery to foreigners.

Following the interrogation of the suspect, two persons were arrested from Kaluwella and Hapugala who had pawned the stolen gold jewellery and the rest of the items were found buried in the suspect’s Udugama house premises.

Police investigations reveal that the suspect is a 42-year-old father of two from the Udugama area and is a grass cutter who works for residents at the Galle Fort. The suspects were produced before the Galle Magistrate.